Linacre - 10th September 2011

At this time of the year the woodlands around the reservoirs begin to take on a more autumnal feel with many trees producing bright red berries, which will provide food for the wildlife during the winter months. Two such examples were on show today. The first, Hawthorn, I can recognise, but the other species appears to be some kind of maple. See what you think.

Hawthorn

Maple species?

As well as the autumn fruits, the birdlife on site today was feeling distinctly autumnal with waterfowl numbers beginning to build and my first flock of Siskin for the winter, approximately 30 over the middle woods.

Last October we had over 130 Mandarins on site, so today's count of 56 looks like a good start in building up to a high total again. Mallard numbers were also high, with 73 counted, and the other counts were: Moorhen (7), Coot (6), Little Grebe (3), Great-crested Grebe (1), Tufted Duck (24), Grey Wagtail (3).